Thomas Merton once described the Precautions and Counsels of St. John of the Cross as the most detailed and concrete and practical set of rules for arriving at religious perfection I have ever seen. Yet many today need assistance in discovering the treasures these brief works contain. In this book, Susan Muto continues her efforts to open up the riches of John of the Cross for modern audiences. She shows how these challenging texts, first written for sixteenth century friars and nuns, are firmly rooted in the values of the Gospel, and offer essential practical and spiritual wisdom for contemporary men and women of every age and way of life. Also included are a translation of the Precautions and Counsels by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D., as well as a preface by the translator.